Beyond the Spectrum.. every age, every need

RELATIONSHIPS & CAREGIVING, PART 2 THE VERSION OF YOU THAT GOT HURT STILL NEEDS HEALING Many caregivers spend so much time tending to the needs of others that they lose touch with the parts of themselves that were wounded long before caregiving began. In Part 2 of our Relationships & Caregiving series, we continue the conversation about the most important relationship we will ever have—the relationship with ourselves. This episode explores how unresolved pain, childhood experiences, disappointments, losses, and unmet needs can quietly shape the way we care for others and the way we care for ourselves. Healing isn't about living in the past. It's about acknowledging the parts of ourselves that still need compassion, understanding, and attention. Whether you're a caregiver, parent, professional, advocate, or someone simply trying to become a healthier version of yourself, this conversation offers an invitation to reflect, heal, and grow. Because the version of you that got hurt still matters. And healing is not weakness. It's courage. IN THIS EPISODE • Why self-relationship is the foundation of every other relationship • How unhealed wounds can impact caregiving, parenting, and personal connections • The difference between functioning and healing • Why many caregivers struggle to prioritize themselves • Practical reflections for developing greater self-compassion • How healing yourself benefits the people you care for most WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR • Family caregivers • Parents of children with disabilities • Adults on the autism spectrum • Professionals in helping professions • Special education professionals • Mental health advocates • Anyone working through personal growth and healing JOIN THE CONVERSATION What part of yourself deserves more compassion right now? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your story may help someone else feel less alone. If this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need to hear this message. SUPPORT THE SHOW & EXPERIENCE UNIVERSAL DESIGN We are proud to partner with BILLY Footwear, a brand that truly embodies the spirit of Beyond the Spectrum. After a spinal cord injury, co-founder Billy Price set out to create shoes that were stylish, high-quality, and—most importantly—accessible to everyone. Get 10% OFF your purchase at checkout here: https://billyfootwear.com/?ref=beyond-the-spectrum We are also proud to partner with Soul Grain, a revolutionary food brand creating delicious granola inspired by culture, music, and community. Unique flavors include Coco Mango, Banana Pudding, Sweet Potato Casserole, and Purple Grain—a tribute to Minneapolis music legend Prince. There are no artificial ingredients, and each flavor includes its own curated playlist. Use promo code BTS10 to receive 10% OFF your purchase. https://soul-grain.com/ JOIN THE DEN: MEN'S SUPPORT GROUP The Den is a dedicated space where men can find community, share experiences, build meaningful connections, and navigate life's challenges together. Register for our next meeting: https://sites.google.com/view/welcometotheden/home ABOUT BEYOND THE SPECTRUM Beyond the Spectrum: Every Age, Every Need explores autism, disability, caregiving, advocacy, personal growth, and the human experiences that connect us all. Through honest conversations and practical insights, we seek to support individuals, families, professionals, and communities across the lifespan. #BeyondTheSpectrum #Caregiving #SelfCare #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #AutismAwareness #DisabilityCommunity #RelationshipsAndCaregiving #Healing #CaregiverSupport

Being a caregiver is one of the most demanding roles a man can take on. The Den is a support group created to provide male caregivers with a place to vent, find resources, and build community with others in the same boat. If you’re looking for a group of men who lead with empathy and shared strength, we’d love to hear from you. 👉 Fill out the registration application here: https://sites.google.com/view/welcometotheden/home

Shawn & Maurice each discuss what it means to them to be a man, how they each define masculinity, how society today defines both, & how it has affected they way they parent.. each as fathers to young adult men on the autism spectrum.

Beyond the Spectrum is a mission‑driven podcast and video series that explores stewardship, gratitude, and practical frameworks for multiplying blessings across family, business, and community. Each episode blends heartfelt conversations with actionable tools, helping listeners move from reflection to repeatable routines that build trust, clarity, and connection. Rooted in inclusion and empowerment, the show invites audiences to see challenges as opportunities and to live with purpose beyond the spectrum of everyday life.

From Compton, CA, Stacy McAlister is a proud father of two, a son on the autism spectrum and a daughter, who inspire much of his work and passion today.A graduate of Claflin University (Class of 2012), Stacy played Division II basketball at Chadron State College (2007–2009) and Claflin University (2009–2011) before going on to play professionally in England and Brunei.In 2016, Stacy founded 5-Eleven Hoops, a sports and social program dedicated to helping neurodivergent individuals unlock their full potential through athletics and inclusive community experiences. His mission is to create spaces where every participant feels supported, celebrated, and empowered.Beyond his professional endeavors, Stacy enjoys traveling, spending quality time with family, working out, and exploring new cuisines as a self-proclaimed foodie.

AI-Jen Poo is the co-founder & Executive Director of Caring Across Generations, an organization committed to changing the way we define caregiving.

In the second of a two-part episode, Shawn & Brian continue their discussion about how Donald Trump's bill will affect the special needs/care-giving community. PLEASE NOTE-At the time of the recording of this episode, The Vigil to save Medicaid had yet to begin. As of the publishing of this episode..7/25/25, the vigil is 7 hours away from ending. Feel free to reach out to learn & share other ways to make a difference in your community.